Sir, The exhibition at Bonhams of the Sevso treasure (letter, Oct 19) displays in London for the first time for academics and specialists one of the most important and magnificent collections of late Roman silver. It is offensive of Lord Renfrew of Kaimsthorn to imply that any criminal act may have been committed, either by Bonhams or by the owner of the treasure, the Marquess of Northampton 1987 Settlement.

Sixteen years after failed litigation in New York to wrest the treasure from Lord Northampton’s settlement there is no further evidence from any source to cast doubt on the settlement’s title. It is inappropriate for the Hungarian Government to make continuing baseless claims of title to the treasure in circumstances where its case was dismissed after a full trial and after three levels of appeal, all of which failed.

LUDOVIC DE WALDEN
Legal adviser to the Trustee of the Marquess of Northampton 1987 Settlement~
London WC1

Sir, Lord Renfrew’s letter does little to promote the rational discussion about the exhibition of antiquities in England but uses language that is emotive and at times close to offensive.

Since the exhibition opened at the beginning of this week, Bonhams and the settlement have received widespread and enthusiastic support for making these wonderful objects available for inspection and enjoyment by academics, distinguished collectors and museums.

Bonhams has a long-established and jealously guarded reputation for integrity in all areas of its business, including its distinguished and highly regarded antiquities department. We have played an active part in the shaping of the recent English law on the sale and exhibition of antiquities. Our belief that we acted correctly in deciding to exhibit the silver is in no way affected by Lord Renfrew’s letter.

ROBERT BROOKS
Chairman, Bonhams